Minutes of a Regular Meeting, June 22-23, 2004 - Digital Collections

REGENTS’ POLICY MANUALSECTION 2—ACADEMICS2.8—SAM NOBLE OKLAHOMA MUSEUM OFNATURAL HISTORYCOLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT POLICYThe Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is an independent research department of theUniversity and is dedicated to preserve, increase, and disseminate knowledge of the natural and culturalhistory of Oklahoma and the world.This Collections Management Policy recognizes that these collections pertain to the University andthat their use is quite multifaceted, including research by University faculty and students, as well as byvisiting scholars. Moreover, the Museum is mandated to utilize its collection and submit knowledge tothe public by means of exhibits, interpretive programs, and other appropriate media.The Museum is empowered to collect and accept materials within the broad area of its charter,including science and history. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Museum cannot collect materialsindiscriminately and the Collections Management Policy carefully details the limits to collecting thatmust be exercised by Museum administrators and staff. The policy makes clear the Museum mustprovide proper care and storage for those items which it accepts. All collections are made with aconsideration for compliance with all laws and regulations of the University and state and federalgovernments concerning acquisitions of museum items. Generally, the Museum will accept only itemswhose ownership has been transferred to the Museum or the University.The policy also deals with the documentation that is required for acceptable collection management,the steps that must be followed if items are to be removed from the collection, and regulations pertainingto transfer of items from the Museum to other organizations within the University. The President isauthorized to make future operating changes in the policy that do not significantly change the role,mission, or structure of the Museum.(RM, 4-11-85, p. 18363, edited; 6-13-91, p. 22469, edited; 3-29-00, p. 26909)THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA 121